Did We Make a Big Mistake? TRD Pro

[PeteyJ]

New here. Go easy. Wife and I are in need of a new vehicle. We are very outdoorsy type and initially wanted a Honda Passport until we kept reading the reliability issues with the new gen. Then direction switched to the 4Runner. I was thinking a Limited would be best for us but wifey saw Wave Maker Blue and uh… yeah. The decision was made. I figured it’d open the door for me to get more serious about off roading so why not.

We live in Columbus, Ohio. The 4Runner would obviously serve for daily duty as well as getting lost in the wilderness. I’ve never owned a part time 4wd vehicle and always had some sort of AWD in my driveway. My concern is driving in the winter. I thought we would be fine but there was another 4Runner forum I was randomly browsing the other day and everyone was making it sound like driving in the winter with RWD in the city is asking for trouble (it wasn’t me asking, but I so happened to land on someone else’s thread).

My thought was that trucks are always RWD until 4H is engaged. What I didn’t know is that most new trucks have 4 Auto, which changes things.

so anyway… the TRD Pro is on order and should be arriving soon. I’d like to hear thoughts if we should switch to something else

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[127.0.0.1]

it's got auto lsd always on, so it's pretty competent in RWD

 

[PeteyJ]

it's got auto lsd always on, so it's pretty competent in RWD

Sure, but it’s still just a more effective RWD car only. I’m curious, those here with anything but a Limited or Platinum, how has your winter driving been?

 

[FoRunna]

Look, I love TRD Pro's but I wouldn't shop for a vehicle based on appearance alone. I look at it this way:

If 95% of your driving is done on highways and 5% is done on light trails, buy the vehicle that works better for you 95% of the time, especially if it still works well in that 5%.

Based on your concerns, I would easily conclude that a Limited is a far better option. Not to mention, the Limited trim isn't "limited" in off-road capabilities simply because of the badge it wears.

The Limited will have better gas mileage, better on-road manners, handle better in snow and inclement weather, etc. It will have a lower cost to operate, will be MUCH less expensive to maintain long-term, and you won't have to worry about servicing shocks every 50-60,000 miles, like is typical for Fox shocks.

Ultimately, it's up to you and your wife but I would follow that nagging feeling in your gut. (This is coming from someone that talked their tad into buying a TRD Pro Tundra)

 

[Blackie1]

Unless something dramatic has changed with 4Runners, you can put the part-time versions in High 4 and drive them up to 65 mph in crappy conditions and it won't destroy the drivetrain. Someone will correct me if I'm wrong but they're pretty reliable.

 

[zgreen]

Hi Peter. I have a Pro and live up in NW Montana. I came from a Jeep Grand Cherokee that has full time 4x4 and was worried, just like you. I can tell you, for me after one winter, the concern was alleviated. Because of all the drive modes, in RWD in the snow it was incredibly stable. When I needed to pop it into 4Hi, I did and then it was even better. As Paul mentioned above, you can transfer into 4Hi under 60/65 with no issue. In my opinion after the one winter, it's really not a big deal not having full time in the Pro. You can always just shift it to 4Hi every time you leave the garage as well. After a year and a half of ownership, I really love the car. A few little things here and there, but to date, it's the best vehicle I've owned. Happy to answer any other questions.

 

[127.0.0.1]

Unless something dramatic has changed with 4Runners, you can put the part-time versions in High 4 and drive them up to 65 mph in crappy conditions and it won't destroy the drivetrain. Someone will correct me if I'm wrong but they're pretty reliable.

this is true
just don't be turning corners on dry pavement in Pt4WD

you can go well over 65MPH in pt4WD, you just cannot change
modes until speed is roughly 60MPH or lower

 

[Brody_703]

Unless you are comfortable shifting in and out of 4 high as conditions dictate, I would consider a limited or platinum.

 

[SteveS]

Go for a model with AWD or even a different vehicle. For your use and location AWD is a no brainer. Will your wife be driving it? Would she like to switch the drive modes back and forth?

Not saying the TRD will not work, its a matter in inconvenience.

 

[pogorman]

Look, I love TRD Pro's but I wouldn't shop for a vehicle based on appearance alone. I look at it this way:

If 95% of your driving is done on highways and 5% is done on light trails, buy the vehicle that works better for you 95% of the time, especially if it still works well in that 5%.

Based on your concerns, I would easily conclude that a Limited is a far better option. Not to mention, the Limited trim isn't "limited" in off-road capabilities simply because of the badge it wears.

The Limited will have better gas mileage, better on-road manners, handle better in snow and inclement weather, etc. It will have a lower cost to operate, will be MUCH less expensive to maintain long-term, and you won't have to worry about servicing shocks every 50-60,000 miles, like is typical for Fox shocks.

Ultimately, it's up to you and your wife but I would follow that nagging feeling in your gut. (This is coming from someone that talked their tad into buying a TRD Pro Tundra)

Why will it be much less to maintain long-term?

 

[Nodak]

AWD is not the same as FT4WD, especially in toyota's.

AWD is just a software induced PT4WD, works in a pinch but doesnt compare to a real PT4WD/FT4WD system

thats like saying haldex (awd) is the same as quattro (ft4wd), they are not (some of the old cheap audi's had haldex to save money and have a lower price to sell vs the true quattro drive vehicles)

 

[HVLA]

Is it that difficult to turn a dial? I am confused as to what the issue is.

Conditions call for 4wd? Turn the dial. Conditions dont anymore? Turn the dial.

 

[pmedicj]

It’s a TRD Pro, consider yourself lucky for even finding one to purchase. Besides it will hold more value in the long run.
Lived in the snow belt my whole life and I’d pick 4wd over awd any day of the week.

 

[Everybodyduck]

New here. Go easy. Wife and I are in need of a new vehicle. We are very outdoorsy type and initially wanted a Honda Passport until we kept reading the reliability issues with the new gen. Then direction switched to the 4Runner. I was thinking a Limited would be best for us but wifey saw Wave Maker Blue and uh… yeah. The decision was made. I figured it’d open the door for me to get more serious about off roading so why not.

We live in Columbus, Ohio. The 4Runner would obviously serve for daily duty as well as getting lost in the wilderness. I’ve never owned a part time 4wd vehicle and always had some sort of AWD in my driveway. My concern is driving in the winter. I thought we would be fine but there was another 4Runner forum I was randomly browsing the other day and everyone was making it sound like driving in the winter with RWD in the city is asking for trouble (it wasn’t me asking, but I so happened to land on someone else’s thread).

My thought was that trucks are always RWD until 4H is engaged. What I didn’t know is that most new trucks have 4 Auto, which changes things.

so anyway… the TRD Pro is on order and should be arriving soon. I’d like to hear thoughts if we should switch to something else

I chose a Platinum in Heritage Blue for the color, comfort, and the full-time 4WD. I haven't seen the Wave color in person yet, but it is probably beautiful. I don't think you could go wrong with the vehicle you have on order, but Platinum is an option if this issue troubles you. That Pro will eat the State of Ohio; great vehicle.

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